Klopp happy, despite late goals

– Liverpool’s manager Juergen Klopp refused to dwell on the two late goals they conceded in a 5-2 win over AS Roma in their Champions League semifinal, first leg on Tuesday, saying his team had been “perfect” for 80 minutes.

“We would have been more happy with 5-0 or 5-1, but 5-2 is a fantastic result. We go there and try again,” said the German coach after Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino claimed two goals each against the shellshocked Italians.

“The boys played a brilliant game over a very long period. Even the last minutes when we conceded. We made one mistake and the ref made one mistake (awarding a penalty) and that was two goals for them.

“We have to work again in Rome, that is no problem. There would have been work to do if we had won 5-0. They will still try everything anyway,” he said.

Klopp was impressed by the Egyptian’s finishing, which saw him open the scoring with a curling shot into the top corner and then double the advantage with a perfectly executed lift over advancing keeper Alisson.

“The first goal is just a genius strike, he scored already a few like this, so that makes clear it is no coincidence,” he told reporters.

Klopp stopped short of saying that Salah was now the best player in the world.

“What a player. If you think he is the best in the world, write it or say it. He is in good shape, world class shape, but to be the best in the world you need to do it over a longer period, I think.” – AFP